Thursday, December 1, 2016

Stay Safe On The Road With These Winter Driving Tips

Winter weather is coming. Is your car ready? Many drivers forget about their cars until they end up stranded on the side of the road. With a little bit of attention now, you can be well prepared for whatever driving conditions you face.

Have Your Car Serviced

Before winter hits in full force, take your car in for a routine service and oil change appointment. Your mechanic will check all of its systems and parts to ensure they are in good working order. Why is this important in the winter? If your car breaks down in winter, you could be facing an emergency situation. Being stranded on the side of the road in cold weather is much more dangerous than being stranded on a pleasant summer day, so make sure your car is in good shape to prevent a breakdown.

Check the Cooling System

Have your mechanic check your antifreeze to ensure it is ready to stay in liquid form, no matter how cold the temperatures dip. If you have less than a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water, your car may not be protected when temperatures drop below zero. A 50/50 mix protects your car at temperatures up to 34 degrees below zero.

Check the Windshield Wipers

When it starts to snow and ice, your windshield wipers will be your first line of defense to ensure you can continue to see while driving. Make sure they are in good condition, and replace them if they are showing signs of wear. Also, make sure the windshield washer reservoir is full, because the salt spray in winter weather can make visibility difficult.

Keep the Gas Tank Full

The winter is not the time to run the car near empty. There's just too much risk that you could end up in a ditch. Plus, without gas in the tank, you could end up without a way to heat the car. Keep the tank half full at all times to prevent a tragedy.

Test the Defrost System

You need a working defrost system to ensure that you have visibility at all times. Make sure the rear window defroster is working, and check the defrost on the front windshield as well. You need to be able to see in order to drive safely, and the defrost systems are a key component of maintaining visibility.

Stock the Right Supplies

Finally, make sure your vehicle is stocked with the right supplies. One of the best winter driving tips to keep in mind is to prepare for the unexpected. Your winter supply should contain:

Large snowbrush with ice scraper

A bag of sand to give your tires traction

Extra windshield washer fluid

A blanket

Extra warm clothes

A few bottles of water and some nonperishable snacks

Remember, it's unlikely that you'll get stuck in a serious blizzard for hours, but it could happen. You need to be prepared!

Choose the Right Tires

Finally, make sure you have the right tires for winter driving. Winter weather or snow tires have specially designed treads, sometimes with studs in them, designed specifically for excellent traction on slick roads. In areas where snow is rare, all-season tires are a good option as well to provide traction in those times when the road gets slick.

Are you in need of new winter tires? Tires By Web has a large selection of winter tires, including Nokian Tires, to help keep your vehicle steady on the road. Browse our winter and snow tires today, or call 800-576-1009 to learn more about our options.

Friday, October 9, 2015

Keeping Your Car in Shape this Fall

When fall swings around in many
parts of the country, it cools off and gets wet all at once, which can be a
hazard to you on the road. With winter ahead and massively fluctuating
temperatures in between, now is the time to ensure that your vehicle is safe to
drive and capable of handling anything that nature throws at it. At Tires By
Web, we're well aware of all the seasonal challenges our customers face. Here
are some of our tips for keeping your car in shape this fall:

Check Your Tire
Pressure

Incorrect pressure in a single
tire can put undue strain on all of your tires and cause you a blowout on the
road. Best case scenario: you have a spare and know how to change tires, the
weather's good so you aren't braving the elements, and your only worries are
the time and effort that the work takes; worst case scenario: you lose control
and hit someone when your tire blows. For most people, a lengthy wait for AAA
is probably the likeliest scenario. None of these things is particularly
appealing, either from a scheduling or financial standpoint. Checking your
pressure and ensuring that all tires are properly and evenly filled can prevent
every one of these situations.

Measure Your Tread
Depth

If your tires are too worn down,
they lose almost all traction and are more likely to hydroplane over water and
snow, which could be incredibly dangerous. One of the easiest ways to tell if
your tires are getting worn is to measure your tread depth. The nice thing
about this is that it can be easily done at home using a penny. Simply take the
penny and place it in the treads with Lincoln's head facing down. If Lincoln's
head is completely visible, it means that there is 2/32" or less of depth
left, and you definitely need to replace your tires. A similar test can be
performed with a quarter to determine whether your treads are at or below 4/32".
At this level, you may want to replace tires if you deal with a lot of wet or
snowy weather. Remember to test different parts of the tire, as well, as it can
wear more in some areas than others.

Decide Whether You Need
Special Tires

When replacing your tires, you should consider whether to purchase
specialty ones while you are at it. For instance, if you drive a lot of rugged
roads and your previous tires weren't really up to the task, you might want to invest
in something like Wild Country Sport tires. Or if you deal with a lot of
snowy conditions in winter, getting special studded snow tires might be a smart
option. Make a decision based on your normal driving habits and environments.

Examine Your Wipers

Fall and winter mean a lot of
rain, falling leaves, and snow; if you can't clear them from your windshield,
driving will be not only dangerous, but practically impossible. That's why now
is a great time to check your wipers for flaws and change them out for new
ones, if necessary. Look for cracks in the rubber or uneven windshield
clearing, and replace the wipers if you notice these things.

Run Your Heater

Your heater may not seem that
important while the temperatures are still warm during the day, but once it
starts getting into the 40s – with nighttime temperatures in the 20s and 30s –
your heater can literally be a lifesaver. The last thing you need is for it to
fail while you are in the middle of a snowstorm, so it's smart to check the
heater now, before it's actually put to the test. Run the heater to make sure
that it's still working properly, and if you notice that it isn't getting that
warm, take it to a mechanic.

Have Your Brakes
Assessed

Getting new tires is only half the
battle against skids this fall; your brakes have to be working in the first
place. If they fail while you are on the road, no matter the weather, it could
be disastrous for your car, your health, and your insurance rates. Bring your
car to your shop and have them test and tighten your brakes as needed.

Test Your Battery

Fall and winter weather are
well-known threats to your car's battery. All of the damp can corrode the
material of the housing, lead to a failure, and leave you stranded. Take a look
at your battery, and bring it to the shop if you notice any visible deterioration.
Also, can you remember the last time that the battery was replaced? If it was
only a year ago, you're probably fine; if the battery is four years old or
older, you should have it checked out.

These are just some of the main
ways that you can ensure smooth and safe driving this fall and winter. If you
need new tires to help with this, check out our inventory at Tires By Web. Not
sure which tires to get? Call us today at 1-800-576-1009
to discuss your needs!

Monday, August 31, 2015

Buying a Used Car? Here Are 5 Things You Cannot Forget to Check Before Purchase

If you’re looking to buy a used car, you probably already
know there are many things you should take into consideration. The shopping experience
can be daunting, but necessary to ensure you get a reliable and safe car and at
a reasonable expense. Because you’re buying used, it’s even more crucial to
making sure your car doesn’t come with any hidden, unpleasant surprises. With that
being said, here are a few general pointers on what to keep an eye out for when
looking at used cars.

Check the
Tires

Most people start the vehicle inspection from the outside since
the physical appearance of the vehicle is what usually catches their attention.
While you should certainly check for any paint marks, indents or other damages,
what some may overlook are the tires. Sellers should have new tires on any used
cars for sale in order to make it more attractive. When car shopping, you
should ask the dealer about the age of the tires. Keep in mind that manufacturers
recommend a tire inspection when the tires are five years old since that’s when
they most likely need replacement. Ignoring the age of the tires and not
replacing them with new ones can wind up costing you a good chunk of money. We
sell an array of tires and wheels for sale in which you can conveniently
shop for any brand or type including XD wheels, Vogue tires
and so much more online.

Look Under the Hood Because there are so many important parts under your
hood that keep your car functioning, it’s vital check for any dents, damage or
rust. If any of these appear, it can be a sign that the car was poorly taken
care of.

Inspect the Engine

The engine is the heart of your vehicle, so you should check it for any
sort of leak or corrosion. Also take a look at the brake fluid to check that it
is not leaking, and take notice of the belts, as they should look fairly new.

Turn on the Heating and Air If the sale ad and/or seller don't directly tell you
that the heating and air conditioning doesn’t work, you should turn on the
systems to ensure that they are working well. If they don’t work and the seller
doesn’t inform you beforehand, you may be able to bargain a lower price for the
vehicle.

The Vehicle
History Report

While a visual
inspection and asking the right questions can tell you a lot about the vehicle,
a vehicle history report will reveal the car’s entire accident history. This
way, you know of any accidents the vehicle has been in and its repair history.

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Prolong the Life of Your Vehicle: Avoid These Driving Habits

Did you know that your driving
habits affect the performance of your vehicle? Even if you do, there's a chance
that you forget it, especially when you are late and trying to get to work on
time or are switching between hitting the gas and the brakes because you're
stuck in traffic. While these situations can be a pain, you should always
remember that poor driving habits can have adverse long-term effects on your
vehicle. You may find that your car needs unexpected maintenance, or repairs
sooner than it should, which can be costly. Driving responsibly ensures that
your vehicle components last for as long as they should and that your car
continues to function. To keep your vehicle in good condition, avoid these poor
driving habits.

Speeding

More people are guilty of this
than they may think. Speeding puts you at risk of getting a ticket or being involved
in an accident, and wastes gas. It also forces your engine to work harder to
pump more fuel, thus increasing the emissions. High speeds can increase the
rate of tire wear, as well, possibly forcing you to replace the tires earlier
than you might have anticipated.

Not Giving Your Car Time to Warm Up

Allowing your car to warm up for a
minute or two when it's cold outside is a common precaution – and a necessary
one. Cold weather is rough on your engine, which actually requires more energy to
start in cold temperatures. The oil is also cold and thick, making it more
difficult for car parts to operate, and gasoline is harder to burn when it's
cold outside. Taking a little time to let the car warm up can help your engine
last longer and run well.

Driving With Heavy Loads

You should already know how much
cargo your car can hold but, if you're not sure, your owner's manual should
indicate it. Placing extra or unnecessary weight on your car can strain the
engine, increase wear and tear, and reduce your fuel economy.

Poor Tire Maintenance

Driving with overinflated or
underinflated tires wears down the treads and wastes fuel. Tires that are not
properly inflated can negatively affect your car's handling and braking, and
can result in a blowout. Ensure that your tires are inflated at the proper level
and test your tread to see if you need new tires. Should you need a new set,
Tires By Web is your place for all your wheel and tire needs! You can find
everything you're looking for, from XD Series rims to
Vogue tires and more, all at great prices.

Not Taking Weather Conditions into Account

You may forget how the weather and
road conditions can impact braking and visibility. When driving through rain,
thunderstorms or snow, you should go at a slower than average speed to ensure
that you don't skid. An accident would definitely decrease the life of your
vehicle, but skidding and braking can be hard on your tires even if you manage
to pull out of it. In other words, better safe than sorry!

If you take the above advice, your
vehicle, wheels, and other car components will all last longer. If you need new
wheels or tires, however, check out our inventory at Tires By Web!

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

4 Simple Steps to Keep Your Tires Looking and Working Great

Cleaning your car regularly is not
just about visual appearance, but functionality as well. Regular cosmetic care
keeps your car polished and looking great, and also protects your valuable
investment and allows it to last longer. While cleaning your car isn't a hard
task, it is crucial that you pay special attention to those hard-to-reach areas
such as inside the wheels and around your tires.

Why Cleaning Your Tires
Matters

When you neglect to clean your
wheels for an extended period of time, brake dust accrues. Brake dust contains
an adhesive and carbon fibers, which come from your brake pad and minor metal
shavings from the rotor. Along with the excessive heat and wheel friction, this
combination is highly corrosive. If you drive every day or quite often, brake
dust is constantly being produced; therefore, the best way to keep your wheels
protected is to give them a good cleaning.

The following tips will allow you
to clean your wheels more effectively:

Step 1: The Rinse

First, rinse your wheels and tires
with water to remove any loose dirt or debris. If you are washing your entire
car, your tires are the best place to start so that you don't splash onto
already clean areas of the car.

Step 2: The Wash

Depending on when you last cleaned
your tires, you may stick with the basic soap and water, or you may use a tire
cleaner. If it's your first time cleaning your tires or you haven't cleaned them
for some time, use a tire and wheel cleaner since the brake dust may have caked
on. Also, make sure to choose a cleaner that is suitable for the type of wheels
and wheel coating on your vehicle. For example, if you have
American Racing Torque Thrust wheels on your car, then you will want to use
a fairly mild cleaner; if you have cheaper wheels, it won't matter as much if
you use more abrasive chemicals.

You should use a tire brush to
gently scrub off the debris. There are a variety of tire brushes available, but
you may want to look for one with feathered bristles that will remove dirt and
debris without hurting your tires. Always clean each tire and wheel one at a
time, and rinse with water when finished.

Step 3: Drying

You may think that drying isn't
necessary, but it actually helps to ensure that you got all of the brake dust
and also prevents water spots.

Step 4: Wax Your Wheels

This step isn't mandatory, but
applying a layer of wax once your wheels are clean can protect their sheen and
prevent brake dust from building up.

Monday, July 6, 2015

5 Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Turf Tires

Your turf tires are important.
After all, without them your riding lawn mower, ATV or tractor would have some
serious problems. That's why it's important to be informed about these tires so
you can get the most out of them. Whether you're looking to purchase new Turf tires for your
equipment or are curious about which ones are best, take a look at these
commonly asked questions.

1. How Much Does Usage
Affect the Longevity of My Tires?

Short answer: a lot. This may come
into play a bit more if the tires are for an ATV, as the terrain you are
traversing is meant to be rough. But a lawnmower or tractor will still
encounter debris, animal burrows, and other things that can damage or simply
wear down your tires. To get the most out of your tires, avoid any areas that
could puncture them as much as possible.

2. How Do I Determine which
Tires Fit My Vehicle?

While you can easily switch out
your current tires for different ones, remember that they all differ with
regards to size, weight, and the type of terrain they are equipped to handle.
Therefore, if you drive a lawn mower, it wouldn't make sense to purchase tires
that are more suitable for a massive farm tractor.

In order to experience the best
all-around performance, you shouldn't mix and match different tires. Tires
affect vehicle handling and stability differently, so mixing tires can make
driving very difficult. If you're interested in buying turf tires, be sure to
buy either four or two of each, depending on your equipment's requirements (for
instance, many riding lawnmowers commonly have larger back tires than front
ones).

4. When Should I
Purchase New Tires?

For the best driving experience,
it's important that you replace your tires with new ones, when necessary.
Ideally, you should purchase new tires when your current treads are worn.
Driving with poor treads makes handling the wet lawns and fields much more
difficult because of the lack of traction.

5. What's the Proper
Air Pressure for My Tires?

This is determined by the
manufacturer and can be located in your owner's manual or on the tires. You
should ensure your tires are not over or underinflated, as this can make your
tires more prone to punctures and damage.

Call or contact us at Tires By Web
for more information about our selection of Turf tires and which ones would be
most appropriate for your equipment!

Thursday, July 2, 2015

5 Things You Can Do to Prevent Flat Tires on Your ATV

Getting a flat tire while you're
off-roading with your ATV is not a fun experience. It takes you away from the
trails and fun, and changing a flat tire on these vehicles isn't exactly a
quick process. While there is no guaranteed method for preventing a flat, there
are precautions you can take to help reduce the chances of it happening.

1. Check Your Air
Pressure Regularly

If your tires don't have the
correct amount of air pressure, you are much more likely to experience issues.
Underinflated tires commonly result in blowouts and flats, and overinflated
tires are prone to damage from bumpy trails and rocks. You can avoid these
problems by simply checking your pressure and ensuring that your tires don't
have too little or too much air.

2. Watch Your Tire
Tread

You should visually inspect your
tires for uneven tread, which can cause your ATV to experience handling
problems. Take notice of any excessive wear, as well. Over time, the tread
wears down and, when it does, you will need to replace your tires.

3. Switch Your Tires

If you have non-directional tires
(i.e. not explicitly made for a specific wheel), you can switch them when they start
to wear, as long as the wear is distributed equally on both tires. This will
allow you to get better traction again and the longest life out of your tires.

4. Don't Take
Unnecessary Risks

While the entire point of an ATV
may be to traverse the rougher terrain that your car wouldn't have a chance of
handling, there's no need to take unnecessary chances. For instance, see a big,
sharp rock that you don't have to go over? Drive around it! And take it easy
going around corners. As with a car, hard, fast cornering will wear your tires
out much more quickly than using a little bit of caution will.

5. Purchase Quality
Tires

Because tires come in different
sizes, materials, treads, and more, the type you purchase plays a major role in
their ability to handle the trails. When shopping for new tires, search for a
thick tread that is puncture resistant.

As your leading tire provider, we
at Tires By Web want to help you avoid major inconveniences and protect your
investment. With a
multitude of options like Desert Tires, we hope to ensure that your
off-roading trips remain enjoyable and flat free!